Newcastle could ‘blow their rivals away’ with new PIF investment – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Newcastle United could “blow their rivals away” if they invest in revamping their youth system.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted the Magpies are a “very attractive” option for young talent despite their north-east location.
Darsley Park and the Little Benton facility have seen several upgrades since the Saudi-backed takeover in 2021 but are still not at the level of some Premier League rivals.
Academy director Steve Harper made key appointments in September as the north-east club continue their push to bring more talent through the ranks.
Harper revealed earlier this year that Newcastle “were probably 10 to 12 years behind other category one academies” when he took the job in 2021.
Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley and Elliot Anderson are among the most notable Magpies youth graduates in recent years.
Newcastle are ‘very attractive’ for young players, says Wyness
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “Let’s not forget that the north-east region is one of the most fertile areas for young talent.
“But Newcastle would be an attractive place to come for players outside that area too.
“The distractions aren’t quite as bad as they can be in London or Manchester, and it’s a great lifestyle – a great place to live.
“That’s what Paul Mitchell will have to deliver at the club, a way to make Newcastle the best youth system in England.
“A new CEO will also play into that, supporting and leading on the football side – and PIF will have to come together and invest too.
“I would hope that we see a big, innovative plan for Newcastle to blow their rivals away.
“They can be a very attractive option for young talent.”
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